I don't see why people are so up in arms with what the Marlins are doing, the team they constructed to compete last year failed and was probably on a downward trend. Now they unloaded all their bad contracts, Johnson's wasn't a bad contract, but he's an injury risk. They also got a ton of prospects in those deals from the Tigers and the Blue Jays, I wouldn't be surprised if they compete again before the Pirates do. Pirates never consider a full blow up until every player on the roster is worthless and doesn't bring anything back.

Troy Loney wrote:I don't see why people are so up in arms with what the Marlins are doing, the team they constructed to compete last year failed and was probably on a downward trend. Now they unloaded all their bad contracts, Johnson's wasn't a bad contract, but he's an injury risk. They also got a ton of prospects in those deals from the Tigers and the Blue Jays, I wouldn't be surprised if they compete again before the Pirates do. Pirates never consider a full blow up until every player on the roster is worthless and doesn't bring anything back.

I think from a baseball perspective it was smart (although its erasing the self induced stupidity; very similar to the Res Sox trade). However, I think they made a big deal that if they got a publicly funded stadium they'd push to compete, and a year later they slash payroll. Just more bad pr.

Free agent catcher Russell Martin is receiving significant interest from the Pirates and Mariners, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The Yankees remain the favorites to sign Martin, but it appears that they'll have to duke it out with the Bucs and M's in addition to the Rangers.

Interest from the Pirates and Mariners makes sense as Pittsburgh has a glaring need at the position while the Mariners are looking for offense at a variety of spots, including catcher. The Mariners have Jesus Montero and John Jaso, but Montero is likely to see more time at DH next season.

Troy Loney wrote:Rumblings that the Royals are dangling Will Myers for either Lester or Shields. I could see the Red Sox decling that, but the Rays should really be all over that.

I think the Red Sox would be all over it too. They've already gutted the team. Might as well go all the way.

They got out of their silly FA contracts, but they really didn't fully blow it up. They're going to bring some FA's in this year and build around the parts of the core they still have intact. Unloading the Crawford and Beckett is really going to help that team going forward.

Not much of a core though. Ellsbury and Lester, but what else? This is a pretty weak free agent class as well. I could certainly see them doing what you say, but think they'd be smarter to go younger if they can.